Detective and Friends Help Family in Need

Los Angeles: The Barkas Family has recently suffered a number of tragedies which together, have devastated the remaining members. The slide began when the Barkas family business failed, followed by the death of the family patriarch, Robert Barkas, the sole provider for the family. As a result of these events and due to health problems, Mrs. Rosalena Barkas, has become less available to her two children, 14 year-old Brandy and 7 year-old Basil. The most recent devastating blow to the children was the theft of their only bicycle from the family's apartment.

Pacific Area Detective James Eldridge became aware of the family's plight and has been in contact with the family, helping in any way that he could. Eldridge provided counseling to the children and some advice on how best to approach household problems and issues. Having heard of the Barkas situation through Detective Eldgridge, Department personnel from the Internal Affairs Division joined the effort to help the Barkas family recover. The officers have, thus far, raised enough cash to provide the family with gift certificates, a bicycle, a Christmas tree with decorations and a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

On Thursday, December 6, 2001, Detective Eldridge and others will present the gifts to the Barkas Family. For further information, please contact Detective Eldridge at Pacific Detectives at 310-202-4506, or Sergeant Grossman, Internal Affairs Division, at 213-485-4154.